In mid-March, amid growing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, the horse show community began to mourn the loss of the typical show season. Shows were postponed, left and right, and then cancelled all together. It was then that horse trainer Charlie Cole saw an opportunity to make the best of a tough situation.
Continue reading …What is a “half-lease” (sometimes called a “share board” arrangement)? Don’t ask any lawyer since the term won’t be found in law books (except for this author’s Equine Law books). These arrangements enable horse owners to continue use of their horses, though limited, while another person shares use of the horse. Horse owners sometimes consider these arrangements as a way of sharing expenses of boarding and care. The problem is, these arrangements can create problems and unintended consequences. This article discusses legal aspects of “half lease/share board” arrangements.
Continue reading …While lameness can only be definitively diagnosed by a veterinarian, your detective work can help to mitigate issues and speed recovery. Lameness is an indicator that something within a horse’s body hurts. In turn, the horse will alter his gait to control the amount of load the affected limb has to bear. Pain is the most common cause of lameness in all horses, though mechanical restrictions or neuromuscular disease can be factors.
Continue reading …Sometimes, for certain families, the horse world just pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Avery and Addie Langley are no exception. The Langley girls are rising stars who can be seen showing in youth all-around events at all the major AQHA circuits, and they’re in good company with their mom, Anna Langley, and their aunt, Heather Van Hooser, who not only inspire them but can also be found making their marks in the show pen as well.
Continue reading …The Roman poet Sextus is credited with the earliest version of the proverb “absence makes the heart grow fonder” which describes the feeling of greater affection between friends and lovers who are kept apart.
Continue reading …There stands a tearful Tom Cruise, confessing his undying love, only to be interrupted by Renee Zellweger, who utters one of the most romantic movie lines, “You had me at hello.” It’s not only a touching scene, but also the inspiration behind the name of the Congress and World Champion earning mare known as She Had Me At Hello. However, for AQHA youth competitor Natalie Vargo it wasn’t exactly love at first sight with the show partner she calls “Georgie.”
Continue reading …When most of us think of Alaska, we envision plentiful snow, stunning glaciers, and salmon fishing. Yet, not everyone realizes the horse show industry we all know and love is very much part of life in this frigid locale.
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